The unofficial AFC Rushden & Diamonds messageboard

Couldn't make it last night - well done to those that made the effort.

Obviously can't comment on the game as I wasn't there however I think this defeat is forgivable. I'm sure most fans traveled more in hope than expectation.

I do honestly think that we've got to win at least 5 of our last 7 games. This squad of players is capable of doing that but our performances and results are so unpredictable.

Basford have 5 games remaining, 3 of which are very winnable, the other two are against Spalding and Newcastle.

Leek's run-in is pretty grim. With 5 games remaining they've still got to face ourselves, Lincoln and Newcastle.

Lincoln have got to play Newcastle, Leek and Spalding but like us have 7 games remaining.

It sounded from the excellent Radio Diamonds Commentary - well done Chris and Doug - that we really gave a good account of ourselves.
Looking at the video highlights, although Ben gave the ball away with a poor pass, the guy had still a lot of work to score and his shot into the top corner was clinical giving Ben no chance to redeem himself. A disappointing second goal to them when we lost our concentration during the substitution of Quigley but, in the end of the day, they took their chances and we didn't. Goals win games and that something that hasn't changed over the years!

We now need to take one game at a time over the remaining 7 games and see where that takes us. It's still in our hands to make 4th or 5th in the table.

Let's all turn out on Saturday and get behind our lads and put the Vic's to the sword!

Trek wrote:It sounded from the excellent Radio Diamonds Commentary - well done Chris and Doug - that we really gave a good account of ourselves.
Looking at the video highlights, although Ben gave the ball away with a poor pass, the guy had still a lot of work to score and his shot into the top corner was clinical giving Ben no chance to redeem himself. A disappointing second goal to them when we lost our concentration during the substitution of Quigley but, in the end of the day, they took their chances and we didn't. Goals win games and that something that hasn't changed over the years!

We now need to take one game at a time over the remaining 7 games and see where that takes us. It's still in our hands to make 4th or 5th in the table.

Let's all turn out on Saturday and get behind our lads and put the Vic's to the sword!

Thank you Trek.
I was speaking to a couple of the Witton players after the game and they reckon we are the third best in that league, even allowing for a degree of patronizing they still rate us very highly.
I think your point about the first goal is well said. I may have been a bit over critical of Heath at the time. I did not expect us to win last night and was hoping for at the least a good performance which we certainly got. Chances for both sides were very limited but we did create some and had a few "what ifs" and "if only" (eg the shot cleared off the line in the first half).After the first goal we certainly didn't let our heads go down and matched them in most areas. They were just that bit quicker than us and they possess some quality players especially in defence.
Witton are by some way the best we have played this season, even better than the teams from higher divisions we have played and they would be worthy champions.

The play offs are still in our hands, all teams are dropping points (Lincoln lost 2-7 last night).

Having gone to the game i can say first half we were the better team just gifted them a sloppy goal imo second half they were much better than us and can see why they are in a title run in.yes we do have a chance at the play offs but my only concern would be the negative formation right from the start.hope witton win the league as i dont fancy another trip up there to get beat in the play offs

Wewillneverdie wrote:.....
hope witton win the league as i dont fancy another trip up there to get beat in the play offs

Well if we do make the playoffs it will be away to Witton or Shaw Lane and if we excell ourselves and finish fourth in the table then a far shorter away trip to our 'friends' in Tulip land where we have a 100% win record.

So come on boys give us a trip to sunny Lincolnshire!

Next week Witton and Northwich play on their pitch 3 nights running. I really doubt they will complete all games if there is any rain in that period.

At the moment Northwich are due to play tonight and Witton on Saturday.

There was surface water in several places last night and any further downpour will cause mayhem to the fixtures.

They did have the answer last night though......the guy with the pitchfork made a tremendous difference!!!! .

Out of interest, does anyone know the playoff dates?

The Godfather wrote:Out of interest, does anyone know the playoff dates?

I think historically the Northern League has had their play-off final on a Saturday, the Ryman League on a Sunday and the Southern League on Bank Holiday Monday.

If that's the case again you'd be looking at a semi final on 25th/26th April and a final on 29th April.

BartonRaz wrote:......a final on 29th April.

Saturday 29th April has been confirmed by the club this morning on Twitter.

Trek wrote:

BartonRaz wrote:......a final on 29th April.

Saturday 29th April has been confirmed by the club this morning on Twitter.

My birthdays 30 th April. What a present that will be if we win it.